Branch Chair

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, but some experience of managing people and some basic I.T skills will be needed for this role. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chairperson?

There is a SSAFA branch in each county in the UK. Most are further divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a Chairperson to oversee all aspects of the branch. Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees you will ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s policies and regulations to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your local area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and more people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.
The role would suit someone able to offer a regular time commitment each week. In addition, you would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others

• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

What about training and support?

• Induction session at our Central Office

• Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.

• Support from your Regional Rep, and Volunteer Support Manager

• Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office

• Peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

  • Friendly and approachable people with some experience of coordinating people and admin
  • Good communication skills and written English
  • Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
  • Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
  • Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering
  • Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
  • Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
  • Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments, etc.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
  • Ability to travel by public transport or car to meetings, events, etc.
  • Ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)

How do I find out more?

  • Complete the volunteer application form below.
  • Call our friendly central Volunteer Team on 0800 260 6775. They can answer any general questions about volunteering and put you in touch with your local branch

How do we use your information?

The information you provide will be used to create a personal record on our database if your application to become a SSAFA volunteer is successful. It will not be used for any other purpose or shared with any other organisation; all data collected from unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed as soon as it is no longer needed. SSAFA complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018.  Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support disabled volunteers, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as non-disabled volunteers.

For further details see our equality and diversity policy.

Referees

We have a few restrictions on who can act as a referee for you and your application:

  • The referee must have know you for at least two years - and you must still be in contact now.
  • The referee cannot be a member of your family.
  • The referee cannot live at the same address as you.

What you'll do

Key role responsibilities

  • Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations
  • Supporting volunteers in key roles and identifying candidates for future opportunities
  • Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs
  • Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA's data management policies
  • Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and ensuring that new volunteers are recruited in line with SSAFA policies
  • Ensuring that any branch employees have suitable line management in place
  • Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA In-Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
  • Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness-raising so that potential clients, volunteers and supporters know how to contact the branch
  • Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA's Central Office
  • Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
  • Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution
  • Ensuring that all volunteering takes place within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy

Application form

Address

Please provide us with your address by using our address lookup or by entering your address manually.

Thank you for trusting us with your data. For extra peace of mind about how we keep your data secure and how we manage your personal data, you can read more information in our Privacy Policy.